Posted by adamyukish on December 24, 2009
The heat press has come a long way from the days cold spots, uneven pressure and inaccurate temperature readings. There has been one company primarily responsible for making the heat press the fine tuned machine that it is today – Stahls Hotronix.
Around 20 years ago, Heat Presses weren’t nearly as accurate as they are now. Heating elements were located on the top side of the platen and spaced as much as six inches apart. The temperature was measured using a Bi-Metallic thermometer, also on the top of the platen. Bi-Metallic thermometers coupled with the location of the elements caused a 10 degree variance in the set temperature of the press. A transfer that was to be applied at 350 degrees could have actually been applied at as low as 340 degrees or as high as 360. A variance like that can and probably will greatly affect the quality of the transfer.
Hotronix developed the first cast in heating element and RTD temperature sensor. The cast in heating element took the element from the top of the press and placed it inside the upper platen. Heating elements were also made much closer together, moved to less than 2″ apart. The RTD (Resistance Temperature Device) measured the temperature not on the top side, but at the pressing surface of the heat platen. Hotronix was also the first to add a Digital Temperature readout. The old meat thermometer readout was very difficult to set an accurate temperature and even more difficult to read. With heat transfers calling for a very specific temperature to be applied at, being off a few degrees coupled with the 10 degree variance caused many more heat transfers to fail and many more $ out of your profits. Off all the innovations i have and will speak of, incorporating the digital readout was probably the most important innovation made in the heat transfer business.
Accurate temperature is just one of the important pieces to the Heat Transfer puzzle. Another, equally important piece is Time. The timer, if there was one, on the press of yesteryear was essentially a “wind up” kitchen timer. When it buzzed, time was up. As with temperature, the time the transfer is being pressed has to be accurate. Inaccuracies can lead to a transfer that’s not very easy to peel and can affect the adhesive quality. As with Digital Temperature, the Digital Time readout allowed a better end product.
Digital Time and Temperature was first added by Hotronix a while back. More recently, a Digital Pressure readout has also been added. Digital pressure eliminates the guess-work that had always been associated with manual heat presses. Pressure is measured on a 1 – 9 scale with one being the lowest and 9 being the highest or firmest pressure. Now, a heat transfer will be pressed at the same pressure no matter who is manning the heat press.
The upgrades I’ve discussed so far have been upgrades that have made the press a more accurate machine. The Auto-opening developed within the last few years is an innovation that made the machine much easier to use. The digital timer along with an electromagnetic release and shock opening cut user fatigue in half. Now, a press operator only has to close the machine, it opens automatically, on time, by itself.
Other Hotronix innovations include:
- Stress relieved heating element eliminates warping caused by excessive heat. A warped element can lead to uneven pressure.
- Upper flotational platen on clamshell machines virtually eliminates the pinching effect found on any other clamshell design. The flotational platen also allows for even, consistent pressure.
- Over the center pressure adjustment easily and evenly distributes pressure throughout the entire surface area.
- Laser cut steel makes a stronger, more durable press.
If you’re looking for a company that stands behind their equipment, Hotronix is unrivaled. Their support is top-notch, and warranties are easy to understand and hardly ever needed. At Imprintables Warehouse, I have set up many a customer with a Heat Press manufactured by Stahls Hotronix to start out or expand their existing business. I’m confident their business was easier to run and more profitable because of their decision to go with the “Cadillac” of Heat Presses.
AY
Posted in Heat Presses | Tagged: clam shell, heat press, heat press applications, heat press technology, hotronix, stahls | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on November 2, 2009
Hello all. I exhibited at the NBM Printwear Show in Charlotte a couple weeks back and shot a video with the folks at NBM in our booth. The video was limited to three minutes but you can get an idea of the products I represent at Imprintables Warehouse and also get a chance to view a bit of our Trade Show Booth if you haven’t made it out to see us at a Trade Show before.
Here’s the link to the video: Imprintables Warehouse Booth – Charlotte.
Also, if you’re interested in coming out to a show, the Trade Shows page on the site has been updated with the shows Imprintables Warehouse will be exhibiting at next year and the shows which I will be attending. As free registrations are posted, I’ll add them to the site as well. Keep checking back!
Posted in Heat Applied Material, Heat Presses, Print/Cut Machines, vinyl cutter | Tagged: cad-cut, Eco-Film, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat press, heat press application tips, heat press applications, heat transfer material, roland, Spectra, versacamm, vinyl cutter, vinyl transfers | 1 Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on October 11, 2009
The popular Versacamm owners forum has changed names. Garmentua.com has changed names to www.myversacamm.com. Myversacamm.com has been a forum for current and prospective Versacamm owners to go for a ton of helpful information.
Here are few things you can expect to see on the site:
- Versacamm 101 Training class schedule
- Creative ideas for mixed media applications
- Marketing ideas
- Pricing recommendations for any type of solvent digital printing
- Printing profiles for various types of digital material
- Current owners ready and willing to share ideas and experiences
If you’re a current Versacamm owner, someone who is considering making the investment or just curious about the technology, I recommend you go to the site and register. You may be surprised what you learn!
Posted in Print & Cut Material, Print/Cut Machines | Tagged: digital printing, printer/cutter, pro-iii, solvent printer, solvent printing, sp-300i, sp-540i, versacamm, vp-300i, vp-540i | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on October 8, 2009
In early September Roland launched the latest update to the Roland Versacamm’s – the SPi. Available as a 30″ SP-300i and a 54″ SP-540i, the “i’ series has brought the original Roland Solvent Print/Cut machine in to more modern times.
Some key improvements from the SPv series:
- Printing quality has been improved by bringing Roland’s revolutionary Intelligent Pass Controltmto SPi series.
- Ensures high speed printing with virtually no banding.
- 50% faster printing in Standard mode.
- Improved media handling
- The SPi now accepts rolls up to 66 lbs
- Additional pinch rollers added to help accomodate the larger rolls.
- Improved Drive system
- Belt drive system replaces the previous cable drive system making the accuracy and quality of Print & Cut rival that of the VP series.
- Ethernet connectivity replaces USB
- The faster Ethernet connection can work off of any network allowing an entire office or work area to have access to the same machine.
- The larger maintenance bay allows for easier access to print heads for cleaning.
Even with all of these improvements, the SPi series is in the same price range as the older SPv. The SP-300i lists for $12,495 and the SP-540i lists for $17,895.
Roland Versacamm SP-300i and SP-540i:
Posted in Print/Cut Machines | Tagged: roland, sp-300, sp-i, versacamm, versacamm financing, vp-300 | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on August 5, 2009
Dye-Migration is dye from a sublimated fabric bleeding through and dyeing a heat transferred design. Since Polyester is the only fabric that is gets its color from the sublimation process, it’s the only fabric that you’ll see migrate. Dye-Migration should not be confused with opacity. In the world of garment decoration, opacity refers to a heat transfer blocking out the color of the dark garment where as migration is the dye of the fabric coming through and becoming a part of the transfer.
So how do you solve Dye-Migration? Simply by using the right product. Standard heat transfers may not block migration. If you run in to an angry polyester that doesn’t like being transferred on to, you can use the Solutions Sub-Block for a full color printable fabric or Spectra Sub-Stop for single color vinyl cut transfer. Both products are available from Imprintables Warehouse and from me by requesting a sample.
Please see the pictures below for what migration looks like and how much a difference using the correct media makes. The fabric this material is applied to is one of the popular performance wear garments.
Heat transfer with Dye-Migration:
Same heat transfer using the Solutions Sub-Block:
Side by side comparison:
The side by side comparison really shows the migration from one transfer to the next. It is most apparent in the white but the entire design is noticeably faded.
Dye-migration can be a problem but certainly not one that can’t be avoided or fixed. Just like choosing the correct transfer for a cotton or nylon, choosing the correct transfer for garments prone to migrate is essential to success as a garment decorator.
ay
Posted in Heat Applied Material, Print & Cut Material | Tagged: dye-migration, heat press, heat press application tips, heat press applications, solutions, Spectra, sub-stop, subli-stop | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on November 5, 2008
The Heat Applied Material Market is ever-changing. Proof of that is wide range of new materials that is available from the company that I work for, Imprintables Warehouse. If you haven’t seen it yet, we’re launching a new marketing campaign titled “Spectra Goes Hollywood”. The first ad can be seen in the November issue of Printwear Magazine and has already generated an astounding response. Imprintables Warehouse is the industry leader in bringing more Heat Applied Materials to the market that cater as much to the Fashion Industry as any other.
Today’s economy doesn’t allow you to have tunnel vision or become complacent. You have to be proactive in finding new business. Do you know the easiest way to do that? Sell more to your existing customers. Offer them more products, more options.
A large portion of the Heat Applied Material Users are extremely focused. I’m not one to say this is a bad thing, necessarily, but why not branch out into other areas? Say you’re a Sports Shop doing a lot of Names & Numbers. Does that Football or Basketball Team have a Cheer leading Squad, Dance Team or Spirit Squad? Why not offer them custom decoration as well? Odds are they’ll want something a little more flashy than the standard Red, White and Blue that’s on the players uniforms.
The funny thing about consumers is that they usually want to see it before they buy it. A great way to generate interest in any new product is to show your consumers just what it is that they’re getting. You’ll see later in the post a few pictures showing you the materials. My bet is that won’t be good enough for you or your customer so I’m willing to send out samples of the materials for you to try. Just email me at adam@imprintables.com with your info and the material that you’re interested in and I’ll be happy to send out your free sample.
A break down of the materials follows:
Spectra Alloy
Spectra Alloy is similar to the Foil that is currently offered by Imprintables Warehouse. One of the differences is the Alloy is a bit thinner. Also, the Alloy isn’t offered as a Sparkle finish the way some of the Foils are. Alloy is a more flexible option with a new color offering. Anyone currently using the Foils should also give the Alloy a try.
Spectra Glitz
Have you had inquiries about an extreme glitter custom decoration? If so, Spectra Glitz is the product you’ve been waiting for. I know that sounds like a cheesy intro, but the shoe sure does fit! The Glitz is another option that is similar, yet still different from Spectra Megatallic. Glitz is full-on Glitter. You know how you used to put some glue on paper in Kindergarten and then throw some glitter on top? Imagine that on a shirt, only a lot less messy.
Fashion Flock
Up until the Fashion Flock was introduced, Flock has been a little boring and one dimensional. Now, there is a selection of colors to choose from giving you many different options. Flock is really an underrated material. For the Fashion Market, it’s great! A raised appearance, soft hand, 3D type look can be very popular. All you have to do is show it!
Spectra Glowz
How about a Glow in the Dark Material? That’s what you get with the new Spectra Glowz. Glow in the Dark materials can be used year round. What are the possible markets? Bars or Night Clubs, Trick or Treating (there’s always next year), accent to another type of custom decoration, etc.
What are your ideas? Leave your comments below.
Posted in Heat Applied Material | Tagged: Foil, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat press application tips, heat press applications, Megatallic, Printwear, Spectra Alloy, Spectra Fashion Flock, Spectra Glitz, Spectra Glowz | 2 Comments »
Posted by adamyukish on November 21, 2008
A common misconception amongst Garment Decorators is the decorating method commonly known as “CAD-Cut” is using a Vinyl based material. While that may have been true a few years ago, Heat Applied Vinyls, as they’re still known, have come a long way.
There are still a few true Vinyls out there. For the most part, however, the transfer material that you purchase from your supplier (hopefully me) is probably a Polyurethane based Film material. Why does this matter to you? The materials that are still considered to be vinyls are PVC based. PVC based films are typically a bit cheaper than their PU based counterparts. The key word there is Cheaper.
A PVC based film will be fine for most one-color applications onto cottons, polyesters or cotton/poly blends. You will have a bit of a stiffer hand initially and also after washing. PVC’s tend to stiffen up over time. True Vinyl materials should not be recommended for multi-color applications where the colors are layered one on top of the other. Over time, PVC based materials will separate from each other. I don’t think anyone wants to see an angry customer come into their shop with a couple numbers in their hands instead of on the garment where they belong.
Polyurethane based Films are a much more durable application. They are typically quite a bit thinner and have a much softer hand. When used as a one-color job, today’s films rival the look and feel of a Screen Print. If you’re a Screen Printer, you may be able to see the difference, but odds are your customer won’t be able to. Multi-color applications are bonded permanently, just as a single color would be. PU Films can also act as a base color for a PVC if you choose.
When choosing your “Heat Applied Vinyl” supplier, be sure to ask if the material that you’re going to receive is PVC or Polyurethane based. Not knowing what you’re working with can lead to trouble down the road.
The Spectra Eco-Film that I represent with Imprintables Warehouse is a Polyurethane based material. Free samples and color swatches can be requested simply by emailing me at adam@imprintables.com with you’re contact info. PVC based materials are also available for comparison. If you’d like to see the differences between the materials, just email me and let me know.
Posted in Heat Applied Material | Tagged: cad-cut, Eco-Film, heat applied film, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat transfer material, PU Film, PVC Vinyl, Spectra | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on November 24, 2008
Many of my customers have asked me to compare the Versacamm to many different types of Garment Decoration technologies. The most common of which is Direct To Garment printing.
The first thing to keep in mind is cost. Generally speaking, the popular Direct To Garment printers have a price range of $10,995 up to $29,995. Keep in mind this is only pricing the Direct To Garment printers that are in the same “class”. What do you get for your money? The lower end printers give you the ability to print onto 100% white Cotton T’s, that’s it. There is also a printer in the $20,000 range that will give you the ability to print onto both light and dark garments, as well as some Cotton/Poly blends with a pretreatment. The recurring cost in any printer that you choose is the ink. For a dark garment, you’re looking between $4 to $5 per shirt for a 10×10 print.
Unfortunately, the pretreatment can add as much as three minutes to each shirt that you press. Time is money. Durability is also an issue on the dark garments. A shirt printed with Direct To Garment printing onto a dark garment will only last about 20 washes. For most of your customers, this will not be enough. You can actually get a similar quality using a $60 inkjet printer and Opaque Inkjet Transfer Paper. Curing a dark garment will add a couple more minutes to each garment.
How much extra time do you have to service your machine? With most Direct To Garment printers, you need quite a bit. Clogging print heads is a common problem. The cost to replace a print head is around $300. Do you have to ship the machine back to have it replaced? If so, you better make sure it is well packaged. Those machines aren’t very light, how much will the shipping charge be? If your supplier ships you one, are you qualified to change it? Will you void the remaining warranty if you get in there and do something that you’re not supposed to? These questions and many more have to be considered when making your purchasing decisions.
Now for the Versacamm. For the purpose of this post, we’ll limit our comparison to the 30″ models. 54″ models are also available, but we’re comparing machines that are primarily for garment decoration here. There are two 30″ Versacamm’s available, the SP-300 and the VP-300. The SP-300 costs the same as the low end Direct to Garment Printers, $10,995 while the VP-300 runs $14,995. The difference between the Direct To Garment prints and a shirt done with a Versacamm is that the Versacamm prints on a transfer media that has to be pressed onto the shirt. For cost comparison sake, if you add the cost of ink and the cost of the transfer media, you’re looking between $3.50 and $4 per transfer.
Quality wise, it is very tough to be the quality that a transfer printed with the Roland Versacamm will give you. Durability is unmatched. Once pressed, the transfer should look the same wash 100 as it does the day you apply it. How many other decoration methods can you say that about? The feel of the transfer is also exceptional.
As far as the maintenance on the machine, take a vacation. First, when you buy the machine, the company that you purchase from (This guy – adam@imprintables.com) will come to your location, install the machine and train you how to use it. The Versacamm has a great feature where it will clean itself. You can program the machine to run a head clean as often as you wish. As long as you leave the main power on (there is a power switch on the machine that basically puts in in sleep mode), the Versacamm will turn itself on and run a little bit of ink through to make sure there are no head clogs. Now if something where to go wrong with the machine, the installer is still responsible to come out and fix any issues.
Now what if you want do decorate some materials other than the standard cotton or cotton/poly blend? With a Direct To Garment printer, you’re out of luck. With the Versacamm, it’s your lucky day. The materials offered by Imprintables Warehouse for use with the Versacamm give you the ability to decorate virtually any type of fabric. Using our Solutions Opaque material, you can apply to cotton, poly, Nylon, leather, canvas, performance, spandex and more! Solutions gives you an amazing hand, opacity, durability and stretchability. You can decorate bags, gloves, shoes, jerseys, compression wear, performance wear, mouse pads, jeans, hoodies…ok I’m rambling. A lot!
Here is my challenge. If you’re considering any Direct To Garment printer, do your homework.
- Ask me for a sample of what you’ll get with a Versacamm and ask the same of the company that your considering a Direct To Garment printer from.
- Wash test. Take those same samples and wash them under the conditions that you think you’re customers will be washing them. See which one looks better.
- Compare costs. I’ll be happy to help you get the true cost of any prints done with the Versacamm vs. the Direct to Garment.
- Make a wise investment. Either way you look to go, you’re going to be spending some money. You need to make sure it’s going to be profitable for you both short term and long term.
I’m sure there are a lot of questions that you still have. Be on the look out for posts in the near future comparing the SP-300 to the VP-300, introducing the 54″ machines and more comparisons to other competing technologies. If you can’t wait, please email me at adam@imprintables.com with any questions you may have.
Posted in Print/Cut Machines | Tagged: direct to garment, dtg, roland, solutions opaque, sp-300, versacamm, vp-300 | 5 Comments »
Posted by adamyukish on December 10, 2008
UPDATE: For anyone that is interested, there will be an oncore performance of the Cutting Twill webinar given by my co-worker, Josh Ellsworth on Feb 24 and Feb 25. Please follow This Link to sign up for or see additional information on this free webinar.
Cutting Twill with the Roland GX-24 is pretty simple. I’ve created a step-by-step for you to follow to fully understand the process.
You’ll need the following:
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- Roland GX-24
- Cut Studio Design Software (included with the GX-24)
- Imprintables Twill Stitch Pro
- 60 Degree Carbide Blade
- Pressure Sensitive Poly-Twill
Here’s the process:
Cutting
- Import your artwork into Cut Studio. You can import .eps or .ai files directly into Cut Studio. If you currently use Corel Draw or Illustrator, you can also use the Cut Studio Plug-In to bring the artwork directly in.
- Make sure your design is NOT mirrored. Unlike the standard Heat Applied Materials that you are accustomed to cutting, Poly-Twill is cut in the positive.
- Make sure your design is sized the way you want it. You will not be able to change the size after you cut!
- On the GX-24, make sure you do a test cut to check cutting depth. You’ll want to put the 60 degree blade in there before doing your test cut.
- In Cut Studio, Click on “Cutting” icon that’s on the top tool bar. On the cutting dialog box that pops up, click “OK”.
- After the design has finished cutting, take the material off of the machine and weed away the excess material.
Digitizing
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Back in the Cut Studio software, take the same design and again click on the “Cutting” icon.
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This time, make sure the “Print to File” box is checked and then click “OK”.
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Change the “Save As Type” to All Files. When naming your file, put a .plt on the end of the file name ex. adamyukish.plt. Once named, click “Save”.
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Open up the Imprintables Twill Stitch Pro Software and start with a blank white screen.
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Import your saved artwork into the Twill Stitch Pro.
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You should have the “Tree View” box open on the left. Right Click on the color and then scroll down to “Convert To”. Arrow over to “Tackle Twill”. This will put place the stitches on your design.
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Once you have the stitches the way you want them, you’re ready to create your sew disk. Click on “File” and then “Save As”. There are many different extensions to pick from. Make sure you choose the one that matches up to your embroidery machine.
This wraps up the cutting and design side of creating your own appliques using the GX-24. All that’s left is to use the cut twill and the digitized file to finish it off.
A video showing this process will be coming, it will be a little redundant, but sometimes visual is more effective than reading.
If there are any questions, let me know!
Posted in Cutting Twilll | Tagged: applique, creating applique, cutting twill, heat applied materials, heat press application tips, heat press applications, roland, twill, vinyl cutter, vinyl transfers | 1 Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on December 17, 2008
How much Heat Press Vinyl do you need to fill the job that you just got in? To help you figure it out, I’ve created a tool that will give you an estimate of how much material you need for your job, the recommended order amount, how much that roll will cost you and the cost per piece. You can create an order right from the spreadsheet to send in if you so choose. This isn’t a square inch price but actually the cost of each design including waste.
This Material Calculator can be found on the left sidebar in the “Helpful Files” box. It is an Excel spreadsheet so you will need Excel to use it.
If there are any questions at all on how to use the material calculator, please leave the comment below or email me and let me know.
Posted in Heat Applied Material | Tagged: heat press vinyl, heat transfer material, Spectra | 7 Comments »
Posted by adamyukish on January 12, 2009
Choosing the Heat Transfer that is right for your application will depend on many factors. What type of equipment do you currently own? How quickly can my customers get their finished goods? How much will the equipment, material or service cost me? To decide which option is your best, you have to ask yourself these questions.
Transfer Required:
Create Names & Numbers for Sports Uniforms
Options:
Vinyl Cutter & Heat Press
- Creating your own Names & Numbers with a vinyl cutter is as simple as adding a Heat Applied Material such as the Spectra Eco-Film.
Advantage – Owning your own vinyl cutter gives you the most flexibility and is less expensive in the long run. You will have the ability to create on demand with sufficient stock. Roster additions can be made same day. Choosing the correct vinyl cutter will also open you up into different markets, including signs, applique and pre-printed transfers.
Disadvantage- Investing in a vinyl cutter can be expensive for some. A start-up business would be well served by making the initial investment but the money isn’t always there. Pricing will range from $1000 – $7995 for the most common cutters purchased. Choosing a model like the Roland GX-24 will get you into all the markets mentioned above for under $2000.
When cutting your own, you also are responsible for weeding. Weeding is simply the process of pulling away excess vinyl from the carrier before applying to your garment. The options listed below will usually come ready to apply, no weeding required.
Order Pre-Cuts - Ordering pre-cuts is the most inexpensive way to get started with athletic lettering. A Heat Press is still required.
Pre-Cuts are typically ordered two ways
- Pre-Spaced Player Names – Pre-Spaced Player Names are ordered custom. Input your roster of players, including numbers if applicable, and the names will be sent to you ready to apply. Pre-Spaced Player Names and/or Numbers can be ordered from Stahls ID Direct and ship out within a few days.
Advantage- Low start-up cost. Names come ready to apply and no additional work (weeding) is required. Ordering pre-cuts can be beneficial as an outsourcing option. If you are very busy with other projects you can have someone else do some work for you at a reasonable price.
Disadvantage- Higher price per name and/or number vs. cutting your own. Turn time and lack of control over your project also has to be considered.
- Die-Cut Letters – Die-Cut letters and numbers is how the lettering industry got it’s start. Before Vinyl Cutters came about, Dies where used to cut vinyl one letter at a time. Today, Die-Cuts are still a viable option and at a much higher production. Die-Cuts are also available from Stahls.
Advantage - Just like Pre-Spaced Player Names, low start-up cost, ready to apply and an outsourcing option. Pricing is a bit lower, much closer to cutting your own.
Disadvantage- You’re still lacking control and turn time. Die-Cuts can be stocked but having all the letters, numbers, colors, etc available isn’t always going to happen. Die-Cuts also have to be spaced out. There are tools available to help you accomplish this but it is more time consuming compared to the Pre-Spaced or Cut Your Own options mentioned above.
Summary:
All of these options are viable. If you take the time to answer the questions I posed in the opening and consider the features, advantages and disadvantages, you should be able to determine the transfer that is right for you. If you are a start-up or expanding business without the funds to invest in a Vinyl Cutter, Pre-Cuts will still allow you to create the transfers that your customers require. It is an excellent way to test and build your market. When the time comes, adding the cutter will give you better flexibility, cost savings and expand your offering. I will always recommend cutting your own but each situation is different. If it is feasible, start out right and offer everything that you can to your customers. Keep in mind, if you can’t offer it, odds are someone else can.
Posted in Heat Applied Material, vinyl cutter | Tagged: cad-cut, Eco-Film, expanding a business, heat applied film, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat press application tips, heat press applications, roland, Spectra, starting a business, vinyl cutter, vinyl transfers | 6 Comments »
Posted by adamyukish on February 16, 2009
Anyone that currently offers vinyl cut materials knows your color options are limited. You’re able to offer single color or layer multiple colors to get the effect you want. While layering will work just fine, you can only do it so many times before the design gets to be what I like to call “bullet proof”. Obviously this is when the design is so thick on the garment that it feels like you can take a bullet (don’t try this at home). I’ll typically use that terminology when discussing competitors materials with my customers, but even the materials I represent at IW can get heavy if you layer them to many times.
About a year ago, Imprintables Warehouse introduced Spectra Patterns. The feedback from customers has been outstanding. Have you tried them? The look and feel is very comparable to what you are used to and expect from the other products offered by IW. We started out with an impressive number of 21 Patterns including unique looks like Pink Camo, Tye-Dye, Houndstooth, various Plaids and our (surprisingly) best seller, Zebra. Since then we’ve increased our offering to 30, including seasonal patterns (Snowflakes, Kiss Me, Hearts), new twists on existing materials and some brand new materials like the Skull and Giraffe Patterns.
The ability to customize existing Spectra Patterns or come up with your own designs is also revolutionary. Until now, you would need more expensive equipment to have the ability to create these effects. Now, there is only a small set up fee and creating the artwork that stands in your way. If you need it, we can help you create the artwork. Custom Patterns are available for an extra fee but are considered a stock Pattern after the initial order!
Posted in Heat Applied Material, Uncategorized | Tagged: cad-cut, heat applied film, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat press application tips, heat press applications, heat transfer material, PU Film | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on April 6, 2009
A while back I created a step-by-step walk through for setting up the Roland GX-24 for Print & Cut using the Cut Studio software. I’ve been emailing it out as requested to date but it belongs in a more public domain.
Before I get into the steps involved, the most important thing to know is that this process has to be done in only the Cut Studio software. You can create your artwork in another design software if you so choose, just save the artwork as a Bitmap (.bmp) or Jpeg (.jpg) to bring into Cut Studio.
- The secret to the Print & Cut process is in the Crop Marks. The Crop Marks that are set up in Cut Studio are what the Optic Eye on the GX-24 uses to register itself. To add the Crop Marks on the screen, click on “File” and then “Print & Cut”. This will put two round, black circles on the bottom of your page and one in the upper left.
- You should notice the options below “Print & Cut” (print, print setup, etc) are no longer grayed out. If you aren’t in Print & Cut mode there is no reason to use any of those options.
- Make sure you have the correct printer and paper size. To do this, click on “File” and “Set up the printer”. This is where you’ll select the printer and paper size for your job. If you adjust the paper size you should notice the crop marks automatically adjust to account for the new settings.
You are ready to import your artwork. Cut Studio does not read fill colors for vector files so make sure the artwork you are importing for Print & Cut is a bitmap or jpeg as discussed above.
- To bring in your image, click on “File” and “Import”. Locate your design and click “Open”.
- More often than not Cut Studio will bring a design in very large. To re-size the design, click on “Properties”, the “Size & Shape” tab and then re-size your design as needed. Click the “Move” icon on the top toolbar to bring your design to the origin point on the screen.
- The next step is to add the cut line(s).
- With the image selected, click on “Object” and then “Image Outline”. This will bring up the “Image Outline” box.
- Cut Studio will add a cut line anywhere the black meets the white. You can adjust the colors by moving the Alignment Image Density slider.
- Once you have your desired density, click the “Extract Contour Lines” button. If you don’t like what you see, you can still adjust the slider and hit the button again.
- Once you have the cut line the way you want it, hit the OK button.
You are ready to print. It is very important that the file does not move from here on out. Once it is sent to the printer, what is on the screen must remain the same as when you send it to the cutter.
- Steps to print
- To preview what your design will look like when printed, click on “File” and “Print Preview”. You should notice that the image will be a bit move vivid and the Cut Studio Grid will be gone. You’ll also notice that the cut line is not visible. Cut Studio recognizes the cut line and removes it from the printed image.
- To send to the printer, click the “Print” button in the upper left hand corner. When your print box comes up, click the OK button. This will send to your printer.
Now that you have your printed design, you’re ready to cut. Make sure you leave Cut Studio in the “Print & Cut” mode. This is the only way the Optic Eye will function.
- On the cutter
- Load the printed Transfer in the cutter with the two registration points on the bottom.
- Select “Piece” when the Select Sheet option comes up on the GX-24. This will measure your width and length.
- Set your origin on the registration point in the lower left hand corner.
- Back on the Cut Studio software, click on “File” and “Cutting”. When the cutting box opens, make sure the GX-24 is displayed in the drop down box. Click OK.
When you click OK, the Optic Eye laser will search for the Registration point. This is why you set the origin over the Registration Point at the lower left. It makes it easy for the cutter to find it’s starting point. Once it finds all three, it will begin cutting.
The Print and Cut process is pretty simple as long as you’re familiar with it. Hopefully this has helped you!
If there are any questions, please contact me.
AY
Posted in vinyl cutter | Tagged: GX-24, heat press application tips, roland, vinyl cutter | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on March 30, 2009
Choosing the right Heat Transfer Material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your business. Knowing which materials will work on the fabrics you are applying to is just as important.
I’ve created a chart to help you determine what fabrics our various Spectra Heat Transfer Materials are made for. I also added the file below into the Box on the left toolbar. Different screen resolutions may make this appear differently then it should.
| |
Spectra Material Applications |
| |
Cotton |
Polyester |
Cotton/Poly |
Non-Woven Nylon |
Woven Nylon |
Poly/Mesh |
Performance (Poly) |
Leather |
| Spectra Alloy |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Spectra Color Reflect |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
| Spectra Cut |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Spectra Cut Plus |
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Spectra Cut II |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
| Spectra Eco-Film |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Eco-Film Electric |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Eco-Film Mesh |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Eco-Film Plus |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
X |
| Spectra Fashion Flock |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
|
| Spectra Faux Twill |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Foil |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Spectra Flock |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
|
| Spectra Glitz |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Glowz |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Megatallic |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Patterns |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Reflect |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Reflect Plus |
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
| Spectra Sub-Stop |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
If there are any questions regarding this chart, the material applications or anything else, please leave a comment below or Email Me.
AY
Posted in Heat Applied Material | Tagged: cad-cut, Eco-Film, Foil, heat applied film, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat press application tips, heat press applications, heat transfer material, Spectra | 3 Comments »
Posted by adamyukish on April 9, 2009
I just came across an interesting article about a basketball team that was penalized for their uniforms. The team received a technical foul and the opposing team made one of two free throws before the game even started. You probably didn’t have to read the article to know what the deciding margin of this playoff game was.
I started wondering how many of my customers where aware of what could and couldn’t be placed on a uniform. How many decorators know that the numbers on a Football Uniform must be 8″ on the front of the jersey and 10″ on the back? Did you know a number border width on a baseball uniform is 1/4″? Not all rules are this strict but there are many ranges that must be adhered to.
The National Federation of State High School Associations is the governing body of High School Sports. The information above was obtained from their NFHS Uniform Rules Summary. Make sure you check out the site so even if the school you’re working with isn’t aware of the rules, you are. NFHS also has a list of the Member State Associations. There you’ll be able to find the contact information and website for your State. Some States may have rules in addition to what is set up by the NFHS.
AY
Posted in Heat Applied Material | Tagged: cad-cut, heat applied film, heat applied materials, heat applied vinyl, heat press application tips, heat press applications, team sports uniforms | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on May 20, 2009
Q: What is the worst thing you can tell your customer?
A: “No.”
How many times have you had to tell your customers “No”? Far too often I’m sure. If it’s not “no”, then it may be “I’ll have it for you in two weeks” because you have to outsource the job. There isn’t a machine out there that will give every customer everything they want, but there is one that will give you a heck of a start. That machine is the Roland VersaCAMM.
So what makes the VersaCAMM such a versatile machine? Consider the following. Imprintables Warehouse offers 15 different types of Digital Media…and that’s just for garment decoration! While most would expect a media for cotton, poly and cotton/poly blends to be available, they may be unaware that they can decorate performance wear, spandex, nylon, leather, both light and darks, just by switching out the media loaded in the machine. Possible applications range from the common t-shirt to fire retardant leather race apparel to polypropelene bags that have become popular in the Promotional Product industry. Not to mention socks, shoes, shorts & sandles…and much more! And yes, i did spend a minute or two trying to think of another product you can decorate than begins with an “s” but decided to go on with the post. No sense getting sidetracked.
How about a printable Flock? Anyone have a need for full color Reflective printing for safety apparel? Have you had requests for a Puff print on a t-shirt? Metallic is another effect that can serve an entire new market. If your customers haven’t asked you for this yet, it may only be because they haven’t seen it!
Speaking of new markets…Imprintables Warehouse has introduced a new line of printable material. Our NAM line, or Non-Apparel Media is a bit of a departure from what has always been availabe from IW. These materials were brought on to work in conjuction with the digital media for garment decoration that was mentioned above. The difference is that these are not heat applied medias, but pressure sensitive. Same printer, same inks, more versatility. Imprintables Warehouse now stocks 12 more medias (that’s a total of 27 if you’re playing along) for application on to football, baseball & hockey helmets, stickers, laptop skins, removable wall graphics and posters just to name a few. Consider the ability to print on banners, vehicle graphics, custom labels for bottles and window displays. The list goes on and on!
Think about this. Your customer brings you one piece of artwork. All they may expect is a new t-shirt, hoodie or maybe a cap. If you can offer them what they came to you for, that’s great. Having the ability to offer them so much more will bring in more $$$$ and make for a happier customer and a happier you!
If you are intersted in adding the Roland VersaCAMM or if you’ve already made the investment and you’re interested in any of the medias offered by Imprintables Warehouse, please email me at adam@imprintables.com. You can also call me in the office at 1-800-347-0068 x 234 or on my cell at 724-322-1085.
If you’re interested in reading more about the VersaCAMM, please read a previous post – Comparing the Versacamm – Direct to Garment.
Thanks for reading!
AY
Posted in Print/Cut Machines | Tagged: heat applied materials, heat press application tips, heat press applications, heat transfer material, heat transfers, roland, solutions opaque, sp-300, versacamm, versacamm financing, vp-300 | Leave a Comment »
Posted by adamyukish on June 1, 2009
As a follow up to my Material Calculator that was posted a few months back, I’ve completed the calculator for Print & Cut materials. Materials included on this calculator include: CAD-COLOR® Solutions™ Opaque, Quickprint™, Colorprint II™, CAD-COLOR® StretchPrint™ and more. The calculator will give you the amount of yardage needed for your job, cost per design, cost per roll and the option to purchase. The cost of ink has already been added in to the price.
You can download the Print Cut Calculator from the Box on the left. I recommend downloading it on to your computer to use at your convenience.
If you have any questions, please comment below or email me.
Posted in Print/Cut Machines | Tagged: heat applied film, heat applied materials, heat press application tips, heat press applications, heat transfer material, solutions opaque, versacamm | Leave a Comment »
